Draft email to premier on neonics

January  25 is deadline for comment 

to: pollinatorhealth@ontario.ca

Response to Pollinator Discussion Paper

Dear Premier Wynne

I am concerned about the threat that the overuse of neonicotinoids poses to our environment, our food security, the health of bees and the viability of our industry. I believe that the proposed regulatory framework to control these pesticides is a significant and positive step forward. Ontario’s decision to apply a regulatory framework under the Pesticide Act to this commitment ensures that regulations will be enforceable under the law. The proposed regulatory process recognizes the limited value of these chemicals, but provides flexibility for those few cases that could benefit from it. The preemptive use of neonicotinoid pesticides on over four million acres of corn and soy has made it nearly impossible for pollinators to avoid the acute and chronic effects of neonicotinoid pesticides. The legislation, if applied properly, could result insignificant decreases in the use of these toxins and open up safe lands for beekeepers to place their hives.

However, while limiting corn and soy is a reasonable starting point, we do not understand the rational for excluding sweet corn and winter wheat. We request a comprehensive approach extending restrictions to all field crops. Further, proposed reductions in neonicotinoid use will not result in the same beneficial effect on pollinator health if they are limited to seed treatments and replaced with foliar sprays. We urge the inclusion of foliar sprays in the legislation.

Thank you for your leadership in protecting Ontario’s pollinators.

Yours,nd the viability of our industry. I believe that the proposed regulatory framework to control these pesticides is a significant and positive step forward. Ontario’s decision to apply a regulatory framework under the Pesticide Act to this commitment ensures that regulations will be enforceable under the law. The proposed regulatory process recognizes the limited value of these chemicals, but provides flexibility for those few cases that could benefit from it. The preemptive use of neonicotinoid pesticides on over four million acres of corn and soy has made it nearly impossible for pollinators to avoid the acute and chronic effects of neonicotinoid pesticides. The legislation, if applied properly, could result insignificant decreases in the use of these toxins and open up safe lands for beekeepers to place their hives.

However, while limiting corn and soy is a reasonable starting point, we do not understand the rational for excluding sweet corn and winter wheat. We request a comprehensive approach extending restrictions to all field crops. Further, proposed reductions in neonicotinoid use will not result in the same beneficial effect on pollinator health if they are limited to seed treatments and replaced with foliar sprays. We urge the inclusion of foliar sprays in the legislation.

Thank you for your leadership in protecting Ontario’s pollinators

Yours,